UN Urges Restraint as Tensions Escalate Between India and Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

By Staff, Agencies

The United Nations is urging India and Pakistan to show maximum restraint following a brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead, most of them tourists, in what has become the deadliest assault in the region since the 2019 Pulwama incident.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is monitoring the situation "very closely and with very great concern," according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Speaking at a press briefing, Dujarric emphasized the Secretary General's call for both countries to avoid further escalation. “We were very clear in our condemnation of the terror attack that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir on the 22^nd,” he said.

Although Guterres has not held direct discussions with Indian or Pakistani leaders, he continues to follow developments carefully. “He very much appeals to both governments to exercise maximum restraint and ensure the situation does not deteriorate further,” Dujarric added. “Any issues between Pakistan and India, we believe can be and should be resolved peacefully, through meaningful, mutual engagement.”

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, India took swift and severe diplomatic measures against Pakistan. These included downgrading diplomatic relations, expelling Pakistani military attachés, suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and closing the Attari land transit post.

Responding to India’s decision to suspend the water treaty, Dujarric reiterated the UN’s appeal for restraint and advised against actions that could worsen tensions.

Earlier this week, Guterres issued a formal statement condemning the "armed attack" and expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families. “The Secretary General stresses attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances,” Dujarric said.

Separately, during a UN event hosted by India’s Permanent Mission, Philemon Yang, President of the 79^th session of the UN General Assembly, also denounced the attack. “The targeting of civilians is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he stated, extending his condolences to the affected families.

As tensions remain high, the international community watches closely, urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to step back from the brink and resolve their disputes through diplomacy.